It is to conform to Olympic rules but applies to all international appearances. If Charles Piutau can qualify for Tonga they'd be crazy not to pick him - and he'd be crazy not to accept ( just for the chance to play in the RWC.)

Rugby did away with this sort thing but the desire to be an Olympic sport means it's back - and not only for Sevens.

There is zero chance of this happening. Piutau is tied to NZ and there is no rule that says if you don't play for three years you become untied. Nor is there likely to be one between now and the 2019 World Cup. There was a loophole ahead of the 2016 Olympic 7s whereby players could switch back allegiencies if they played in the 7s World Series beforehand, but I believe that was a one-off with no plans to repeat it in 2020.

Incidentally looking at the World Rugby link I can see why Spain may not be happy/might have been confused as it says 'In the past some unions have nominated their U20 side, but since the start of 2018 they are no longer able to do that.' Spain have lost chance to be in RWC in Japan due to two players who played for France U20s a good while prior to 2018. Russia (who now will be in Japan, Scotland and Ireland's pool at RWC due to Spain, Belgium and Romania having big points deductions) got thrashed by USA at weekend. Not sure if it was Russia's best side but before the sanctions against the others I believe they were 4th in the Euro competition and there could be some very ugly scores against them in Japan - starting with game 1 against the hosts.

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